Revolutionizing Cancer Treatment: 3-Hour Genetic Mutation Testing Launches in Mumbai, ETHealthworld
Mumbai: As precision oncology becomes increasingly central to cancer care, rapid and accurate detection of genetic mutations is emerging as a critical factor in guiding treatment decisions. In a move aimed at accelerating access to biomarker-driven therapies, Agilus Diagnostics has launched the automated Idylla molecular diagnostics system at its Goregaon laboratory in Mumbai, enabling detection of clinically relevant cancer mutations within 2.5 to 3 hours—significantly faster than conventional molecular testing methods that can take several days.
The development comes at a time when oncologists are increasingly relying on molecular profiling to identify actionable biomarkers and tailor treatments to the genetic characteristics of individual tumors. Faster turnaround times can help clinicians initiate appropriate therapies sooner, particularly in cases where treatment decisions are time-sensitive.
“The Idylla system is a fully integrated, cartridge-based molecular diagnostics platform that combines sample processing, nucleic acid extraction, amplification and detection into a single automated workflow. By minimising manual intervention and reducing pre-analytical variability, the platform is designed to deliver highly accurate and reproducible results while streamlining laboratory operations,” a statement said.
The technology enables rapid detection of several clinically relevant genetic mutations that play a key role in cancer diagnosis and treatment selection. These include EGFR mutations, commonly associated with lung cancer in Indian and Asian populations; KRAS and NRAS, which are important biomarkers in colorectal and pancreatic cancers; and BRAF, found across multiple tumor types, including melanoma and colorectal cancer.
In addition to these established biomarkers, the platform also supports testing for emerging markers such as Microsatellite Instability (MSI) and IDH1/IDH2 mutations. These biomarkers are increasingly being used to determine patient eligibility for advanced targeted therapies and immunotherapies, reflecting the growing shift toward personalized cancer treatment.
Commenting on the launch, Dr. Anand K, MD & CEO, Agilus Diagnostics, said, “The future of oncology lies not just in advanced therapies, but in the ability to deliver fast, accurate diagnoses that can guide treatment decisions in real time. The introduction of the Idylla system at our Goregaon facility significantly enhances our molecular diagnostics capabilities and strengthens our commitment to precision medicine. By enabling rapid access to critical genomic insights, we aim to empower clinicians with timely, actionable information that can improve treatment outcomes and expand access to quality cancer care.”
Dr. Kunal Sharma, Vice President and Head – Integrated Onco-Pathology, Agilus Diagnostics, noted that delivering actionable molecular insights within hours can significantly impact patient management. He said the platform’s ability to detect key mutations with minimal manual intervention and high analytical performance is particularly valuable in situations where tissue samples are limited and treatment decisions need to be made quickly.
Experts believe that as targeted therapies continue to expand across multiple cancer types, the need for rapid and reliable molecular testing will become increasingly important. Delays in biomarker identification can postpone treatment initiation, while faster access to genomic information can help clinicians match patients with the most appropriate therapies earlier in the treatment journey.
The launch further strengthens Agilus Diagnostics’ integrated oncology diagnostics ecosystem and underscores the growing role of advanced molecular diagnostics in supporting biomarker-driven treatment pathways. As India continues to expand access to precision medicine, innovations that shorten testing timelines could play a pivotal role in improving outcomes and advancing personalized cancer care.
